[javacore]

Car1:

2000 E39 M5 ($41.5K)- Carbon Black with Tan interior and with wood interior package. Very clean in and out. Impeccable car except a history report showed minor to moderate accident and damage in 2003. Airbag deployed during accident with rear end of a vehicle. I'm assuming the driver side airbag deployed and car sustained front end damage. Car again is very nice with 29,000 miles but I'm worried about the accident and unseen structural damage etc. Car has a good maintenance and service record at least prior to accident.. 2 listed owners..

Car2:

2000 E39 M5 ($39.5K) - Black with black interior and carbon interior package. Clean but not in impeccable shape as Car1. Not quite the same stellar service record as Car1. No accident history and car looks OK. Interior is very good but not as good as Car1. Car has 42,000 miles. (Car2 was imported from Ontario Canada almost brand new. Not sure of shady history in Canada) 1 listed owner..

I don't care which one I get (I'm going to get one) but need advice on which car is the best to get. I could car less about the price difference.
I kinda like the carbon look better but I'm worried sick about the accident data..

Help!

 

[Richard in NC]

Do either of the car histories show Vanos fixes, clutch fixes, or oil consumption issues? The 2000 models likely would have a Vanos fix and if not could be a costly repair down the road. Do a search for details on this. Clutch and oil issues would indicate how well and how hard a car was driven. I would lean to car #1 but would have a certified body show check the car over real good to make sure the accident damage was properly repaired.

 

[jordantii]

You should contact Wakechamp. He has a 2000 with good miles and the car looks pristine. It is Anthracite with Caramel and ACS wheels. I would have bought it but I really wanted an 01. Price is inline with what you are looking at.

Do a search for Wakechamp and you will find him. I have some great pictures as well.

Jordan

 

[javacore]

Carfax report does not show Vanos Fixes or Clutch fixes. Only shows regular service and some miscellaneous items. I have a buddy at the local BMW dealership and I'm trying to get him to check the history but I've been unable to reach him.. I know the vanos fixes are a pain..

I'm hoping I can hook up with a body guy to make sure the repairs were done properly..

I'm leaning more towards the Car #1..

Here is the history on car #1

1. This sedan has had 2 owners and was owned in Tennessee. The first title for this sedan was reported to CARFAX by a Tennessee DMV in 1999.
2. It was involved in an accident in Tennessee that was reported to the police. Its airbag(s) deployed. It was most likely involved in a front or side collision. <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td width="40%">Accident Report Date:</td><td width="30%">Source:</td><td width="30%">Detail:</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td valign="top" width="40%">05/27/2003</td><td valign="top" width="30%">Tennessee Police Report </td><td valign="top" width="30%">Accident Reported
in Shelby County
involving rear impact
with another motor vehicle
Airbag deployed
Minor to Moderate Damage Reported</td></tr></tbody> </table>
3. It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood.
4. It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback (LEMON).
5. Again, no evidence of Vanos issues, just service and other basic stuff..

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"><td align="left" valign="top" width="30%">Vehicle exported from
Guam
and imported to
Charleston, SC
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 11/26/1999 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Tennessee
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Germantown, TN
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Registered as
personal vehicle
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 11/29/1999 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 1,281 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
Engine serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Lubed oil and filter changed
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 02/15/2000 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 07/13/2001 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 10,057 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
Lubed oil and filter changed
Miscellaneous service performed
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 08/19/2002 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 18,557 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Air conditioning serviced
Engine serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 11/11/2002 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 20,891 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 05/26/2003 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 25,957 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 05/27/2003 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Tennessee
Police Report
Case #08295612
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Accident Reported
in Shelby County
involving rear impact
with another motor vehicle
Airbag deployed
Minor to Moderate Damage Reported

CARFAX Airbag Tips </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 09/17/2003 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 26,003 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 10/30/2003 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 26,065 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 02/20/2004 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
Engine serviced
Miscellaneous service performed
Lubed oil and filter changed
State inspection completed
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 02/26/2004 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Plan Co.
Saint Louis, MO
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Contract Issued
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 03/04/2004 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Plan Co.
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 03/31/2004 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Auto Auction
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Sold at auction
in Missouri
Listed as
a dealer vehicle
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 04/02/2004 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Service Facility
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle serviced
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 04/12/2004 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> 26,668 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Tennessee
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Counce, TN
Title #69505347
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Title issued or updated
New owner reported
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#f5f5f5" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%"> 02/11/2005 </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%"> </td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Dealer Inventory
Missouri
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%"> Vehicle sold
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f5f5f5"> <td colspan="4">

</td> </tr> <tr align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td align="left" valign="top" width="15%">
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="25%">
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%">
</td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="30%">
</td></tr></tbody> </table>
I can't get the accdient report online from state of TN.. (To determine extent of damage) Seems they are the only state without online reports..

Any input?

Do either of the car histories show Vanos fixes, clutch fixes, or oil consumption issues? The 2000 models likely would have a Vanos fix and if not could be a costly repair down the road. Do a search for details on this. Clutch and oil issues would indicate how well and how hard a car was driven. I would lean to car #1 but would have a certified body show check the car over real good to make sure the accident damage was properly repaired.

 

[mottati]

Let me chime in that carfax's are close to worthless. My wife had an audi that was backed into by a tow truck a few years ago resulting in $15k worth of damage that never showed up on car fax. I also wouldn't go by their service history. You need to take the vin to a dealership and see what services and problems each car had. I'd feel 41k is a bit high for a car that has been wrecked, but that's just me. I don't think you really have any info on the second car, if you're just going off carfax. (as far as its history is concerned).

 

[M5Kid]

I would be very weary of the first car because of it's accident history. The second car seems to be a good option, but the fact that you stated it has carbon fiber trim is funny. That would haved to be aftermarket, as M5's weren't offered with a carbon fiber trim option. Is the rest of the car stock?

You state that you are set on buying one of the two cars. Personally, I would shop around some more. There are great deals on earlier model year M5's that are in immaculate shape, low miles, etc. Check out Auto Trader and E-bay to get an idea, there are lots of M5's on the market right now.

Also, I would stay away from '00 model cars, as they had a tendancy to have VANOS problems along with other things. The small increase in price for an '01 will be worth it down the road, in my opinion.

Travis

 

[Beamer_usa]

Let me chime in that carfax's are close to worthless. My wife had an audi that was backed into by a tow truck a few years ago resulting in $15k worth of damage that never showed up on car fax. I also wouldn't go by their service history. You need to take the vin to a dealership and see what services and problems each car had. I'd feel 41k is a bit high for a car that has been wrecked, but that's just me. I don't think you really have any info on the second car, if you're just going off carfax. (as far as its history is concerned).

I agree, my friend was involved in a serious accident, over 10k worth of damage. The car was fixed and carfax never showed an accident reporthmmm